Freedom from Our Past

I am surprised by Jesus’ choice of disciples. They formed a rather motley crew, and Peter, called by Jesus from his career as a fisherman, was not always a team player. He was a dedicated but often arrogant disciple. He had a hot temper, was presumptuous, was both fearful and bold, passive and aggressive – and he betrayed the One to whom he vowed absolute devotion. Jesus knew Peter’s defects, but he picked him anyway. And he forgave him for his multiple offenses…
[Peter] could be comically impulsive – twice jumping out of a boat fully clothed! He sometimes challenged Jesus, and he had a habit of speaking out of turn. But he also demonstrated fervent commitment and faith…
[His] personal failure did not put an end to Peter’s relationship with and usefulness to Jesus. In fact, Mark says that the angels guarding Jesus’ tomb after the resurrection told Mary Magdalene to inform Peter first about the miracle of life after death. (I love to imagine that scene, when Peter got the report!) The very One he had sinned against so horrifically extended a merciful invitation to restoration, freeing Peter to leave his guilt and broken sense of self behind. From there, Peter went forward to become a “fisher of men” and a “rock” in the foundation of the church. What a glorious surprise for this far-from-perfect man! …
For those who love Christ, personal sin and failure need not spell “The End” of our story… Perhaps no freedom is more meaningful than that of being liberated from shame and guilt and set back on a path toward serving Christ.
–Between a Rock and a Grace Place: Divine Surprises in the Tight Spots of Life by Carol Kent